Had Grant been a Congressman one would have been on ones guard, for one knew the type. One never expected from a Congressman more than good intentions and public spirit. Newspaper-men as a rule had no great respect for the lower House; Senators had less; and Cabinet officers had none at all. Indeed, one day when Adams was pleading with a Cabinet officer for patience and tact in dealing with Representatives, the Secretary impatiently broke out: You cant use tact with a Congressman! A Congressman is a hog! You must take a stick and hit him on the snout!